Pre-Championship Quotes | World Athletics Championships Oregon22

 

14 July 2022

 

 

Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk (UKR), LJ/TJ 

 

On continuing of preparation after TJ silver at Belgrade 2022 WICH 

When we went to the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, it was pretty much understandable for me where and why we’re going and what goals we have. Then things changed. Even if we went directly to the Portuguese training camp, it was so difficult to understand what we have to do the next day and why I cannot come back home even for one day. Only two months later I’ve gotten a bit comfortable mentally trying to be fully focused on what I have to do in trainings.

  

Certainly, I badly missed my family, especially my husband (European champion and World medalist Mykhaylo Romanchuk). As elite athlete he was allowed to go abroad from Ukraine, but we have very different competition schedules. We were able to meet each other only twice in June for a very few hours.   

 

For now, I am temporarily based in the small Italian town of Brescia, where I have been preparing for the Oregon22 World Championships all last month. We have a very good stadium with mostly new and comfortable surface for training there.  

 

On her decision to perform in both long and triple jump in Eugene

I think we made decision the next day after World Indoor Championships finished. We have been using special triple jump exercises even before, but we have been paying more attention to preparation for this event since March, especially in technical issues. I had to improve a lot to look a little bit more like a triple jumper in my movements. 

 

I cannot say that one event is more important for me than another. I like them both. If somebody asked me what is my main event, I would like to answer that both. Maybe, in one of them I’m more experienced and more confident. But another one gives me more opportunities and challenges. 

 

On her current shape 

I’m ready and I confirmed my great shape many times during the current season. I’m a little bit disappointed that I had only one triple jump competition before world championships. Definitely, I need one or two more. All my training measures look really good, but my main test will be at the Hayward Field. 

 

I know I’m ready to jump over my PBs in both. 7 meters in long jump? Actually, I already jumped over 7m several times, but always with small failures, even if very questionable one like in Belgrade. Maybe, I just need more luck. But I always say that the harder the way you went, the sweeter the decoration you received after. I’m here to fight for another one medal and I hope that everything will succeed.

 

 

Anna Hall (USA), Heptathlon

 

On competing at her first world championships

So far, it has been great and so nice to be here for a couple of days and get acclimated even if it is a small time change for me. It just has been a great opportunity to be here with all my teammates. I really wanted to be in Tokyo last year and this is something that was motivating me during most of my rehab. I really wanted to be here for the first worlds at home so I am just really excited that everything has worked out.

 

On the first moments coming to the event

It was those first moments when I was arriving at the hotel and just seeing all the athletes, I was like ‘wow.’ These are the people I grew up watching on the TV and was looking up to. Now I am on the same team as them. So that is a bit surreal, but I am just trying to trust my coaches and embrace this start of a hopefully long career and really enjoy and take in every moment here.

 

On her consideration of being just a runner

 

I run three days a week. Usually one of those is dedicated to the 200m tech workout; one is kind of a 400m workout; and one is like an 800m workout. So we just run really hard. Maybe I was thinking about switching from the multi-event before, but I do not think I will do that just because the running is going well right now.

 

 

Josephus Lyles (USA), 4x100m Relay

 

Memories from his first USA team at the World U20 Championships in Eugene 2014

I remember that team. I was really a young guy then. Being on that team and making my first US senior team here, I feel like it was meant to be. 2014 was really nice but this is more serious. It’s now all in. We have a new stadium. There’s so much put into this. It’s an amazing atmosphere. To be in that stadium when the gun goes off, it’s probably one of the best stadiums in the world. Noah (his brother and defending 200m champion) was on the Youth Olympic Games team and me for Eugene.

 

His mom’s reaction when he broke the news he was added to the USA team

She did not find out until a little bit later. I was processing to be an alternate for the 200m and then I left. Literally 10 minutes after I left, I got a call and was told ‘we want you to be on the 4x100.’ So I came back and did all the team processing but did not tell her.

 

She was so tired. She goes to bed early. I Facetimed her and told her I would be on the team. She started crying. She was ecstatic. Over the next five days, she would call me every other hour and ask me ‘is this serious, are you on the team?’ She was definitely very happy.

 

 

Nikola Ogrodníková (CZE), Javelin Throw

 

On her impressions from the stadium 

The stadium looks very nice and smaller than the stadiums we were used to competing at other championships. But honestly, I do not like the surface in our sector very much. It feels like it is going to be very hard and the top layer is kind of crumbly and slippery.

 

About her feeling after arrival in Eugene

I felt very tired after the arrival because the two long flights were just too long and my legs were a bit painful. We have been here for the training camp for a couple of days, but I only started to feel good yesterday. At these major events, you need to be mentally relaxed and rested. I took some books with me, but I did not have time to read yet. 

 

On her expectations in Eugene

I try to do all I can, but still it is just a sport and sometimes you just cannot impact or change the result. I just wait for the good timing to show something good in the competition. The season in the women's javelin was not spectacular, but it does not mean that it will be the same during the championships. There are many aspects which can affect the results. Men's javelin is more stable this year so I expect big throws in the men's category for sure.

 

 

Chase Ealey (USA), Shot Put

 

How her sprinting career has helped her in the shot put

I think a lot of throwers were actually sprinters to begin with. It definitely plays a role. We have a lot of sprinting and jumping in training so being fast on the track certainly helps you in the ring.

 

What is behind her breakout 2022 season?

I changed training groups and environments. I have been training in the UK. I got a new training partner and a new coach. I made a reset after I got sick last year. I am happier and more content and this resulted in more efficient training. I think it’s hard to train anyone who is not in the right state of mind. So my state of mind got better. I was more trainable and in a better position to keep excelling. I am just getting started. 

 

Resurgence of US female throwing

It’s been more on the men’s side for a long time. We started to match them in technique and skill. We are back and showing that we can do it just as good. I am really happy we are leading off all four events. I am really proud coming into the home championships. We didn’t start as early so it took us some time, but we are definitely catching up. More people are rotating in the shot which I believe is helping. We are taking the next step now and we are dominating throws again.

 

On Allyson Felix retirement

I wasn’t as invested in track and field in my life until college. And even then, I wasn’t as invested as I could have been. But since becoming a pro, I have become a student of my sport and I am really proud to be on the team with Allyson for sure.

 

 

Jan Zelezný (CZE), Javelin (Coach)

 

On his impressions from the stadium 

The good thing is that the run-up is isolated from the track so the throwers will not be distracted by the track events on the oval. The problem could be that the warm-up stadium for the javelin is very far away. But I like the campus and the university area is very nice. I have already been here as a coach a few years ago with Vitezslav Vesely. I do believe that the stadium will be full, and the atmosphere will be great for all the athletes, not only the home stars.

 

On being a coach of the two athletes at the championships

I would be happier to have even more throwers competing here. But Irena (Gillarova) was injured and did not manage to qualify. Jakub Vadlejch grew up into a mature javelin thrower and he has been working on it very hard. By winning the Olympic and world medals, he has already proven he is a top class thrower. The javelin is a very event specific and sometimes it is really only about the day – if it suits you or not. You have to have this power, speed and coordination shape at the same time in the right moment. And then it flies far. But you make just a small mistake and it is minus five meters. We were at the throwing training two days ago and it looked very good. Nikola (Ogrodnikova) is physically in good shape but you need to be in coordination with the technique. But you only need one good throw. It is better to throw once far than five times medium… The women's javelin is very open this year as many stars are out. The surprise can come from Chinese throwers.

 

On the men's javelin final in Eugene

You will have 12 people in the final and 12 can throw far. Anybody can surprise and it is not like only four people have already distributed the top positions. But it is also about the weather on that day, as the run-up is only from one side of the stadium and the head wind can change it all. But the fact is that you will need to throw much further to get a medal than at the Olympics.

 

 

Allyson Felix (USA), Women’s 400m, 4x400m and Mixed Relay 

 

Comments from Allyson Felix (USA), the most decorated athlete in the World Athletics Championships with 18 medals (13 gold, three silver and two bronze). She is making her 10th Championships appearance in her final season.

Thoughts about competing at a World Championships at home

I am happy they (international athletes) can see what we have seen, come to Hayward and experience the Hayward magic. I know in my entire career I have always been a little envious of that athlete in the home country, that applause. I am excited for all US athletes to be able to get that experience and bring our amazing sport to Eugene as well.

 

A lot of athletes who have competed here talk about special moments that have happened. There’s always a great crowd and you always feel that energy. We are hoping to have the same environment. I have been in races where I have been behind or in a challenging position and you hear that crowd, and the roar brings you home. I know there’s going to be some many great performances. We hope to hear that roar and have that excitement. A lot of special moments will happen here.

 

Reflections on her career

I hope I am remembered as a fierce competitor but to me, it’s just trying to leave the sport better than I found it. I am trying to support female athletes, just women in general and fight for more equality. 

 

It’s been an incredible journey. I really enjoyed my time over the years. I have some ups and downs. I love the sport so much. It’s broken my heart many times, but I have also had some joyous moments. It’s completely a full circle to be able to come here, and end at home. It’s going to be very special. I am going to miss it so much, but I can’t think of a better way to go out with a heart full of gratitude, thankful for all the people who have supported me and the teams I have been on over the years.

 

The past three years have been the most challenging for sure. I reflect on those years. I can’t believe that I made it through. It’s so special now that my daughter will be in the stadium. I get to tell her what it has meant, what my career has meant. It’s really rewarding to finally get to this point and fight through all that adversity.

 

Supporting professional athletes-parents

When I came back to the World Championships with my daughter, she was 10 months old and my eyes just opened on how hard it is to travel, the logistics and everything about having a young child and being on a competitive team. How can we support women better who chose to have families? I believe they are absolutely capable and have some of their best performances. 

 

Childcare is a barrier and it’s just one thing that you can take off your plate. When we offer childcare, our first event was Nationals, it was not just for women, but for men, coaches, officials. I think it is a better way to support in a holistic way. I hope we can have the support to continue that on and just further it. I really want it to be the norm and the standard when you go on tour that there will be childcare. Other sports have it and I hope we can follow along.

 

 

Noah Lyles (USA), 200m

 

Comments about Allyson Felix

2012 was the Olympics when we decided we were going to be professional and make the Olympic team (with his brother Josephus). I was watching her as the fastest woman in the world. I do remember that she ran 21 seconds, and at that time, my PR was 22 seconds. I said, ‘dang this woman is faster than me.’ As I’ve watched her progression in life and sports from that point, I’ve really started to see what type of person she is.

 

What was your mom’s reaction when you were both named to the team

I remember leading up to that day. I believe God put in her heart that we were both going to make the team. We’re a very Christian family. Usually when God gives us a vision, it usually comes true even in the hardest of times. A few weeks before, we had dealt with 3-4 deaths in our family. It was an extremely struggling time for my mom and the rest of our family. But we know at the end of the storm there is something greater on the other side. To have this as one of those moments is one of the most ecstatic things…This is definitely a very special one that we are going to always remember.

 

How much does it mean having your brother here?

It’s completely different from Tokyo – a 180 I would say. One, to be on our home soil; two, having my brother; and three, having my whole family here, (it’s) everything I didn’t have in Tokyo that I now have here. We just had relay camp, and I was telling my brother that I’m glad you’re here. It’s always better to have your best friend. This is a blessing to everything he’s accomplished already. It’s exactly what we’ve been waiting to see since we first turned pro.

 

Can you tell me about the relay camp?

So you want our secrets, right? I can give you a brief history. We had all fast people there. Handoffs were good. Way more practice than any other year I would say. I think we’re all comfortable with each other and very excited.

 

 

Petr Svoboda (CZE), 110m Hurdles

 

On his impressions from the stadium and expected performances

I came here to check how the starters work just to be ready before the heats. Everybody has a different style so it is good to know in advance. I had this ‘wow’ effect when coming to the stadium. You have the soft-padded seats which is a luxury. Also the stadium is very well designed. It may happen that the first top three runners will go sub 13s. This is a mecca of athletics and I believe big things are going to happen. I really do believe we will witness big things here.

 

On being at the World Championships at 37 years of age

I have experienced many major events, more world championships indoors than outdoors. But I have already met so many old friends here, who are already here as coaches. It was very nice and at least half of them told me that they would start to train again, too. I met my friend Ladji Doucoure, who is here as a coach of Sasha Zhoya, and he started to train again, but pulled his hamstring some time ago. I really feel good in our small hurdling community. It feels like home.

 

On his aims in Eugene

Some people have told me that it is a success to even start here at my age. Whatever the result is, it would be a bonus. In fact, it is the truth. In Belgrade, I arrived knowing that I was in great shape. But here, I want to stay more calm and focused despite the fact that my brain is still thinking about the possibilities. I am at the age when my body can surprise me. It is about the harmony of many things altogether.  I really feel that I am in shape, but at the same time, I am scared that this may be the last chance to show something big.

 

On the hurdlers, the opponents

Who knows where I would end up if I grew up in the USA… The time of Devon Allen is just something I cannot explain. I would never expect him to run 12.90 and now he is targeting the world record. Who knows, anything is possible. But I do believe in Holloway, Parchment… It may be the Jamaican/American final. This may be a phenomenal World Championships.

 

 

Eider Arevalo (COL), 20km Race Walk

 

First impressions of Eugene

It brings me great memories. It was here when I did my first 20km outside the stadium. I am living athletics in its purest form here. It’s one of the largest sporting events and the most important for athletics after the Olympic Games, especially in Eugene, a city rich in athletics history. Athletics is well embraced here. There’s a beautiful energy here. 

 

Thankful to coaches 

I am delighted to be here and represent my country. I give credit to my coaches Marcelino Pastrana and (2011 World Champion and Colombia’s first athletics world champion) Fernando Lopez. Fernando has instilled in me what it takes to become a world champion or medalist. He guided me to get this far. 

 

Goals in Eugene

I feel at peace and fully determined. I have a lot of faith and leave it to God. I will go out and enjoy the competition. This is what I have been trying to do since I won my first World U20 title in 2010. This city brings me good memories from my junior years. I will certainly enjoy it.

 

 

Zhu Yaming (CHN), Triple Jump

 

About Eugene

I feel really good in Eugene and I like everything about this stadium very much. Everything seems perfect and the stadium is very professional. The accommodations, the living conditions, everything is very good.

 

On how his life changed after the Tokyo Olympics

The fact that I won the silver medal in Tokyo really changed my life. Before Tokyo, I was thinking about winning a medal. I felt that I had the chance, but did not want to talk about it too much. In Tokyo, I started from scratch. Now, I come to Eugene and I just want to show my best and to have a good performance.

 

On the Chinese team and goals in Eugene

I feel that our team is still improving over the years. I really believe that my teammates will have good performances in Eugene and I am looking forward to all their results.

 

 

Marileidy Paulino (DOM), 400m and 4x400m Mixed Relay

 

First impressions on Eugene

I am very happy to be here. I am impressed by the stadium. Everything is clean and the track looks great. I hope it allows me to run the time I want. 

 

How things have evolved since her World Championships debut in Doha 2019

I ran the 200m in Doha so to me, it’s my first World Championships running 400m. I am a different athlete compared to 2019.

 

Goals for the Dominican Republic’s 4x400m Mixed Relay team

I am also hoping for a good performance by the mixed relay team. Everyone is in good shape. There’s a great energy and expectations are high. We just want to stay low profile and enjoy the moment. Big thanks to the Latin American fans supporting us from home.

 

 

Femke Bol (NED), 400m Hurdles

 

On her trip to Eugene

We have been at the training camp in the USA so the travel to Eugene was not that complicated. We have been in the USA for 10 days already.

 

On being one of the major 400m hurdles contenders

I am really excited to race with the best again. I know it is going to be special for the home athletes in front of the home crowd and that they want to do something really good. So I will also try to put on a really good race and make it a bit difficult for them, but they are very good.

 

On the fast track in Eugene

You never know. They say it is a fast track so I hope it is fast because I like to get close to 51. But in the championships, in the end, it is about the medal, not about the time. But a great time would also be nice. I will just try to put on my best race and we will see what the clocks will say. I think the men's 400m hurdles will be even more exciting than the women’s. We know that Dos Santos is in great shape, Karsten Warholm is really a great athlete, so I am excited to watch it but I think I will watch it from my bed. I will be watching it for sure, just like last year.

 

On her schedule in Eugene and support at the stadium

I am staying until the end of the championships because I am also doing the 4x400 relay. My mum and my brother are coming to support me. My dad does not fly so he is not coming. But he will be watching from home and I will be calling him. My mum and my brother are now in Dallas. It is really nice that they can be here for the first time supporting me because during Covid, they could not go and it will be really nice. I like when I have somebody in the crowd and they also like seeing me.

 

On the Oregon campus

I have been here only since last night, but I can see it is very nice and it feels really like an Olympic village. We are really close with the other athletes so I really like it. The rooms are nice and the food is really good. So it is fun.

 

 

Keshorn Walcott (TTO), Men’s Hammer Throw

 

First impressions of Eugene

I am happy to be here and healthy, the most important thing. My first impressions are good so far. The meet looks well organized. The facilities are great. I look forward to having some good performances. 

 

I have not competed here as much. I believe this is my fourth time competing in the USA, so I look forward to making new memories. I think moving forward it’s going to be great. 

 

I am thankful to be here. It’s not been good for me in the last couple of years because of my health. Even last year my season was going great, but I had some injuries before the Olympics, so things went south. I am happy to be in good shape this year and perform to the best of my ability. The level of javelin is very high so every competition you go to, you can have a good time. 

 

How men’s Javelin has become more universal

Javelin was always deemed to be European so it’s nice to see that it has become more open years later (after his Olympic gold in 2012). It’s really nice to see the different styles of throwing. It’s really nice to see 10 different guys from 10 different countries and not just Europe. For me, it brings a different insight to the sport. You can see where different people apply different techniques. Growing up, we looked at the same throwers over and over. The young generation can now look at 10 different people and see which style they can adopt. You have to put your own spin to it, your own touch.

 

Expectations from Trinidad and Tobago team

This year, it’s one of our smallest teams. We only have 11 athletes and most of them are young. I believe many of them will use this championship to gain experience on the world stage so hopefully in a couple of years we can have a stronger team.

 

 

Anderson Peters (GRN), Men’s Javelin Throw

 

His memories from Eugene and on his title defense 

People here love track and field so I look forward to competing in front of track-based fans. I have been very motivated to defend my title, being the world leader and world champion in the same year is pretty awesome. I believe it will take a very long throw to defend the title. The best thrower will win on the day.

 

My last trip to Eugene was my first NCAA title with a meet record (2018) so hopefully I can win here with another meet record. You just look at the positive side of things.

 

How he has bounced back from a low par 2021 season

You have to be able to enjoy every moment, enjoy both the up and down time, and also be patient. I had a down year last year. I did everything that I could have done to get better, but it was not happening. So I learned to be patient and enjoy my down time. This year has truly paid off. 

 

How does training in Grenada has impacted his successful 2022 season 

It’s nice to be back in Grenada. There is more that I can enjoy. There’s a lot of people around me, friends, family, my 1-year old son Ashton (named after 2016 Olympic Decathlon champion Ashton Eaton). Being around him makes me happy. When you are around people with positive energy, you tend to do better physically.

 

 

 

13 July 2022

 

 

Marcell Jacobs (ITA), 100m

 

Lead up to Eugene

If I am here, it is because we had good training – physically, technically but also judging from our times. If I am here, it is because I want to perform as I did at the Olympic Games and the World Indoor Championships. I am determined to bring home the best result possible. I have been training well and preparing to compete without incidents both on Friday and Saturday. I am confident I can do well.

 

I have done some block starts and 30m runs without problems. Every time I want to come to a race in the USA, something happens. I made it here. Eugene is one of quietest places in the world and has a marvelous track, but I only watched it on Instagram. I was hoping to make it here one day. 

 

Being here brings me great peace, tranquility, and reassurance. It brings me back to the start of my career, longing for an experience I never had. Seeing all the athletes here has re-ignited the fire I was missing inside. I am loving it here. US athletes are strong and they have always been. My goal at the Olympics was to make the final. I will focus on my race and what I want to achieve and leave everything else behind.

 

How he is coping with pain

Judging on how things went (at the Diamond League meet) in Stockholm, my season was full of question marks. I would have never made it here today, not certain if I would be able to race here. Meeting another roadblock there was tough. But I am a determined person. When I set a goal, I try to achieve it no matter how. I worked hard with my physio and technical team, improving every day and trying to tackle the cause of the problem to be able to compete at 100 percent.

 

My back pain dates back to my early years, when I was a kid. I feel it more when I am not training. I can have all the pain as long as I don’t feel it on the track. Everything is under control. I am here in my best shape possible. I am here to compete, have fun and bring home a great result.

 

Reflections on both the indoor and outdoor seasons

I could not anticipate what would happen after the indoor season. Everything went well indoors. We had great meets. If you don’t try, you can work on other things. I don’t regret anything. My career has not been easy. The harder it’s been, the better results I have achieved. I want it to be hard to continue achieving good results.

 

Comments on world leader and Olympic silver medalist Fred Kerley

 

I knew Fred Kerley was fast, but not that fast. He is not a technically sound athlete, but has a great quality. His 9.76 impressed me. His times at the USA Nationals were truly incredible. I follow him on Instagram, and I see everything he posts. He is determined. He will be a tough rival, but I know we can achieve something great here.

 

 

Yaroslava Mahuchikh (UKR), high jump

 

On her challenges since February 24

All the athletics world already knows how we have been traveling to the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade for our first competition since the war in Ukraine started. Then we faced other challenges like where to stay during the season, where we’ll go for pre-season preparation, how to solve all the visa questions and to get permission for staying longer in Europe and avoiding ‘refugees’ status.

 

Mostly for two months I had training camp in Turkey. Then we went to a little German town close to Nuremberg. That is our base for now from where we go to any competitions or other events. I use a local, very cozy, but very functional stadium for my daily practices.

 

People around us are always friendly and very helpful. One kind girl we never met before just helped us to complete the formalities for our staying abroad from Ukraine in one day. Now we have official half-year permission to live there.

 

It was a funny story when we came to the local immigration department and they asked me for any paper or even my Tokyo medal to confirm that I’m really the Olympic bronze medalist. I was so confused trying to explain to them that I didn’t think about my Olympic diploma, and especially the medal, when I have been leaving Ukraine under bombs. The only official paper I had with me was the invitation to the World Championships. It made the process easier.

 

On missing her home

My preparation is going good enough, but the one thing I’m missing badly is my home. I haven't returned to Ukraine since the beginning of March. My home city of Dnipro is next to the warfare region. It was also shelled several times during last month. People are not feeling safe there.

 

At the end of April, I was sure I would come back home anyway. I missed my lovely city, my friends, my family and all these feelings made me cry. I have no idea how my coach managed to find the necessary words and persuade me to continue our preparation in Europe.

 

On different feelings before Doha WCH and Oregon22

Three years ago, I debuted at the senior World Championships. It was a really stirring event for me. Now I’m feeling more confident. I know what hard work I’ve done preparing for Oregon22. I’m much more experienced. I got the world indoor title earlier this year. I went through numerous Diamond League events and, what is much more important, I know I can jump really high.

 

On her current physical condition 

The main thing is that I want to jump. Even a couple days ago, I said to my coach I would like to have championships start tomorrow. I’m over motivated to show strong results because I want to bring some really good news to all Ukrainian people and to make them smile even if for a moment. 

 

We came to the USA on July 2 to join the training camp of the Ukrainian team in Chula Vista. Our trip had some more adventures. One of our flights was delayed and we spent one night in New York. I didn’t want to take any hotel as visiting the city of New York was my dream from childhood. I have never been there before. I was really impressed by everything we saw. Now I want to go back there one day, maybe when I finish my career.

 

 

Gianmarco Tamberi (ITA), high jump

 

On being always focused on major events during long career

Sometimes it is tough mentally. Of course, I have a team around me with a mental coach which is helping a lot, but track for me has always been about performing in the main event. It's not about performing in every situation and in every competition, but when it really counts. I always prepare for the big event like this one and I'm always very positive even if the competition before didn't go as I’m supposed to. I'm looking forward to this one because it can change the season. The start of the current summer season wasn’t as good as I wanted, but it doesn’t matter at this moment.

 

On his shape at the moment

Right now I feel very good physically. I'm in good shape so I'm looking forward to competing here. The weather looks good. The track is perfect. Only thing I need more is to perform well here. Let’s see what is going on.

 

What is going in his mind before his big jumps

We have only one minute in our moment. First 20 or 30 seconds, I think about the technique, keeping in my mind all the details we were going through during summer trainings. The other 30 seconds I try to take all the energies around from the crowd, from the people and, certainly, from myself. I try to think what it means to me to jump over that bar. I try to convince myself I can do it. Then, when I start my runway, all things around me are like a shadow. I’m only focused on my approach. The bar is the only goal I have in my mind. Whatever happens out of my approach, I can't hear. I can't see. I can't do anything. I just focus 100 percent on my run up and my jump.

 

On whether he would share one more global gold medal with Barshim

I think we both had the best moment of our life in Tokyo and I would never regret that decision. Hope he does as well. But, of course, we say to each other that if it happens again, we will go on. But just because we did once, not because we were not happy for what we have done. If I have to go back to that day, I will never change my mind.

 

 

Andre de Grasse (CAN), 100m, 200m, 4x100m

 

On lead-up to Eugene

It’s been a challenging year. I had an early season injury back in March-April. I was trying to get back in shape. Then I got COVID.  I was a little sick. The last three weeks of preparation kind of sucked. I feel I am pretty good right now. I always try to come out to the championships and use the experience to my advantage and try to scare some people with that. I am looking forward to Friday night.

 

In my last two races, I had season bests. I know this track is fast. I have the experience of winning NCAAs, running fast times here. I try not to overthink it, not think about the pressure. I just want to go out there, relax, have fun and the race will come to me.

 

Memories from his NCAA double at Hayward Field in 2015

2015 was my breakout year. The NCAAs gave me the confidence to get out there and compete with the big boys in the world and try to come away with a medal. It's been a long time since Canada won a medal at 100m. I remember running 9.7 and 19.5 (wind-aided) in Eugene. It was definitely special. A lot of great experiences. Hayward magic was really good, so I hope to rewrite history again.

 

Athletics and fatherhood

For me it’s a lot more motivation now. I realized when I became a father that I am doing it not just for myself. I have a family to support. I am responsible for someone. I knew moving forward I had to change things around me, be more responsible. It’s been challenging, but you pick your battles, prioritize things, training and making sure they are good. It's been a journey, but it’s been fun. I enjoy it when someone looks up to you and says ‘good job daddy’ when they see you on TV. It’s an amazing feeling. It brings joy to me and a lot of excitement.

 

On giving back to the sport

The reason why I wanted to start the (Andre de Grasse) Foundation is because I had the support to be able to do the sport. I had people in my corner helping me to get the spikes, uniforms and help me on the track with coaching and facility access. People don’t realize people need all those things to make the dream come true. I really want to help young athletes coming up. There’s so much talent in Canada, but people don’t get to see it. I feel there are so many talented kids out there, but they just need the right support. I want to help them get scholarships to come to the USA so they can pursue their career in the NCAA. I see more kids who are active and pursuing track and field. It feels good to be part of that. That’s why I started my Foundation.

 

 

Sandi Morris (USA), pole vault

 

Many athletes experience a little bit of a slump after the Olympics, but I feel like I am the opposite. I am experiencing the training with a new coach, with a new team. That can be risky – to change coaches. So the fact that I am competing really consistently, I mean I am undefeated so far this year, it is kind of a surprise for myself. At the same time, I am not so surprised because I am so motivated, I am healthy, I am happy, and I think that is the key to success in this sport.

 

On training with one of the major opponents

It was kind of crazy to start training with one of my main opponents. Katie and I, we were competing but we were also close friends for many years. So training with her is full of benefits. You have someone who pushes you on a daily basis and every workout. Also I work out with Brad Walker, that is incredible – to work with someone who was in our shoes and knows what it is like… His training is very good for me as his training is very detail oriented. He also helped me to recover from last year.

 

On the championships on US soil

I think it is a huge opportunity for this sport. The thing which most Americans know about track and field is that it is in the Olympics. So educating them and bringing the world championships to them, showing it on TV – it is going to introduce the fans to this sport. It is a huge opportunity and I have got a lot of fans back home who are really excited and got their families involved. It is fun to have the world champs here and bringing track and field to America is huge.

 

On winning her first medal on US soil

It was my first international medal in Portland in 2016. I got silver at that world indoor championships and I jumped 4.85 so I have great memories of 2016. Hopefully, we get some good conditions when we get out there. I really cannot wait until we see all the US flags and feel that home crowd support. It is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

 

Karsten Warholm (NOR) 400m hurdles

 

The lead-up to Eugene

It’s been challenging because you don’t know how each day will go. It’s also very hard after Tokyo. It’s not a disaster in the big picture, but just a personal disaster to me when it (injury) happened at the Diamond League in Rabat. Puma and the Norwegian Federation have helped me a lot, my coach, of course, and now I feel that we are back. We did some testing at the pre-camp in Berkeley (USA). It’s safe to say that I am going there 100 percent. I am the title defender, and if I am going there, it’s because I feel I have something to come with. I can say I feel good to go.

 

The last five weeks have been about being healthy. It’s not the ideal way to go into the championships obviously. This is probably the hardest task of my career. Having a problem like this is difficult. When you run (flat races), you can compensate with anything. 400m hurdles is 100 percent. There is no compensating. I need to feel 100 percent fit and I think I am. Time will tell. 

 

On having no finished races for 10 months

My first race in 2021 was a world record. Of course, you want to run some races to get some confidence, but on the other hand confidence is not my problem. It’s going to be challenging in the sense of what I am going to bring to the table. I know for sure that all the training until the injury happened was very good. I can measure myself against other benchmarks we have in training. When I compare that, it looks very good.

 

Memories from his participation at the 2014 World U20 Championships in Eugene

I remember it very well in 2014 (World U20 Championships). It was a great atmosphere, a packed stadium, and an audience that knows track and field very well. It was my first trip to the USA and one of my last decathlons before switching to the 400m hurdles. Good memories from 2014. I had my family there. My mom and dad will be here this time as well. 

 

Comments on his main rivals in Eugene

My rivals won’t give me any slack for sure. The level is very good right now. It’s probably one of the best eras of the event. They are running fast times, but I have also been running fast times in the past at least. I want to come back to the mix. I look forward to it. This is what I love to do. I am a very competitive person. If I am on the track, I want to have a good fight and that’s what brings excitement to the sport. I look forward to it.

 

Armand Duplantis (SWE), pole vault

 

I think I proved to myself and to anybody else that I am in pretty good shape right now and I know that I can jump pretty high. The timing is good as we have the world championships. It has been nice. After a big jump like that, things can be a little bit hectic. I still was able to come home and relax and get back to training before repeating the dance.

 

On traveling with the poles

We always have some troubles when traveling with the poles. But I have been pretty lucky and I have a full set back in the US. So right now, it is OK and everything seems alright.

 

On being a pole vault star

To me, I always felt like I knew what I was capable of doing and I felt like I was just following the right path. But I do not take it for granted. I am really grateful for the position that I am in, but I also feel like I have done a lot to get here.

 

On waking up hungry for more trainings in the morning and new challenges

I feel like I am very hungry. There is a lot to do especially in my event because it is so technical and tough – especially mentally tough. So it feels like there are those little things that can go better.

 

On analyzing the jumps of other opponents

Yes, they are my coaches. I think it is a standard practice for us. There are many things we do. Sometimes it is also good to get away from it because you just get caught up in it. I do not want to think every day, 24/7 about pole vaulting. Sometimes it is nice to be able to do different things, like play crappy golf.

 

 

Abdul Hakim Sani Brown (JPN)

 

For me, it was an easy way to Eugene because I live in the USA so I did not have to fly thousands of miles away. I am based in Florida. Everybody on the team is excited as the event is approaching. My goal for these championships is to do my best; I will try to get a medal. Overall, we are here doing our thing, executing and trying to show our best performance.

 

On being the main headliner of the Japan team

I do not know. It depends, I guess. For sure, there is bigger attention from the media. I do the 100m, which is one of the main events so for sure, but we also do the relay. We have a pretty young team at these championships so for us it is a challenge and we will see how far it goes. But for sure, we will try to get a medal.

 

Difference between the conditions and the food in Japan and the USA

It depends. Sometimes I go out and eat in the restaurant, sometimes I cook for myself. I miss the food from home and everything. I just decide on what I want to eat and pick it.

 

On the main Japanese superstar nowadays

Maybe the long jumper Yuki (Hashioka). Maybe it will be me.

 

On the next plans before the championships

My coach is only coming today so we will see. Until then, I have no specific plan.

 

 

Hugues Fabrice Zango (BUR)

 

I am still recovering from the nine-hour time difference. The facilities here are great and this championship will be ‘on fire.’ I competed here last year at the Diamond League to become familiar with the place and I came back ready this year.

Many things have changed since the last World Championships. I discovered everything I wanted in athletics so my mind is more free now. I am here to have fun.

I believe my World and Olympic medals have had a good impact on fellow African athletes. We have (Zimbabwe's Chengetayi) Mapaya and (Algeria’s Yasser Mohammed) Triki over 17m. It’s becoming normal to see African athletes over 17m and other up and coming men going 15.80m.

Slowly, African men are trying to catch up to (Francoise) Mbango’s two Olympic gold medals. I want to salute her.

 

 

 

12 July 2022

 

Erik Barbosa Cardoso (BRA), 100m and 4x100m

 

I am very happy to be here and be able to represent Brazil. I have high expectations. My goal is to improve my personal best (10.01) and contribute to the 4x100m relay team. I have had a lot of support from my country and the goal now is to do my best.

 

Every time I step on the track, we have the opportunity to better ourselves and evolve. First it is our personal best and as a result records may come.

 

In the 4x100m relay, we have had great success at World Championships and Olympic Games. We won the World Relays in Yokohama in 2019. Here in Eugene, we will go out to achieve our best result possible for our country.

 

 

Yulimar Rojas (VEN), triple jump

 

I am very happy. Eugene brings me good memories. This was my first World Championships as a junior (U20) a few years ago (2014). A few years later, I won my first world title in Portland (2016). I am very happy to return to this stage and aim to repeat my world title.

 

I have been trying well and feeling very strong. My body is feeling great. I love athletics and am happy to do what I love. I am a woman who loves challenges. This is a major challenge for me. I want to make my country proud. I am in great shape. I only had one meet after (the World Indoors) in Belgrade. I am looking forward to competition day and giving it all on the track.

 

Latin American athletes have talent and I am glad to be a role model for those aspiring to reach the top, realize their dream and accomplish big goals. It makes me be more disciplined and committed to show athletes to believe in themselves, despite any challenges we may face in our respective countries. I am motivated to keep going and I am hoping to inspire others to do the same.

 

 

Javier Cienfuegos (ESP), hammer

 

First impression about Eugene

I have been in the USA for four days. We are still adapting to the time difference. I need to week to be fully acclimatized, but we are not in a rush. My goal here is to equal my seventh place from Doha 2019 or improve it. This is my sixth World Championship since 2009. I missed 2017 due to a back surgery.

 

How his experience can help him perform

Having a World and Olympic final under your belt helps a lot. I have been training well all year, staying injury-free. I am obviously tired from the long trip and big guys like me may feel it more. Your mindset is crucial in moments like this. I was in pain yesterday and my hammer did not fly far. Today, it went much better. You just need to follow a process, rest well and get ready to compete on Friday.

 

Expectations for the Spanish team

There is a great energy on the (Spanish) team. I have been talking to my team members, especially the older ones. I may have probably never seen such energy on the Spanish team. We encourage each other and we all have a great desire to perform well. We look forward to the competition. I am the first one to compete. When things go well at the start, it bodes well for the rest of the team.

 

 

Danniel Thomas-Dodd (JAM), shot put

 

How it feels to be back in Eugene

I always love competing here. It’s always a good crowd in Eugene. I’m definitely looking forward to the day of competition, kicking things off and feeling the energy of the crowd.

 

Where are you in your preparation in the Olympic cycle

I would say I am about where I want to be, especially with a lot of injuries last year. I don’t like to talk about my injuries because sometimes people use them as an excuse. But for me I don’t think it’s an excuse but part of the sport and the process. I’m still trying to get myself back to where I’m used to mentally and comfortably competing. I’ve had a lot of success at the international, senior level, but this is for me about going around the circle again. For me to pick myself up after Tokyo, this season has been a lot better and I’m in a better position than I was last season physically. I’m happy where I’m at preparation-wise.

 

What is the reason for Jamaica’s success in the field

We have a good system in Jamaica for track and field. For me over the years, I knew I wanted to be the first person to do a lot of the things our country hadn’t done before. We had not had a woman on the global stage in my event so I wanted to be the first to do that, and I did. For me personally, it was being able to be the first and be an influence on the younger generation of throwers to make them realize it is possible. I was determined to be the first and that was the driving force behind my success.